10 Twisted Secret Levels In Video Games
7. Command & Conquer Red Alert: Counterstrike - Giant Ants
Red Alert was not intended to be a standalone game: It was supposed to be an add-on for the first in the series, but its size meant it developed into its own entity. In this universe, it’s Allies vs. Soviets, versatility and crafty technology against pure brute strength and unconventional warfare.
The first add-on, Counterstrike, introduced a barmy set of secret levels to the mix. To access them, you had to hold shift and click the speaker. How people were supposed to figure this out is anyone’s guess.
To greet the player, cheesy music plays as a giant ant appears from a nest, and a dramatic logo entitled ‘IT CAME FROM RED ALERT!’ appears.
This mini-campaign pits the proud boys ‘n’ girls of the UK against a horde of giant, mutated ants. They can chew through steel like it was made of pastry, and some of them spew fireballs.
After a scouting mission, you must repair your damaged base and fend off the ugly insects. Then there’s the matter of poisoning their nests with the help of some eggheads, in order to prevent them from swarming the whole map.
The grand finale takes place in an underground bunker, where our heroes lead a merry chase to the Queen’s hive and blow her into pieces.
Battling the sugar-stealing horde is not easy by any means, but it's so satisfying.